My Prime INC Experience. (A Running Log)

Thanks J.B. I have been giving that some thought, that I might be better to start over and take the tests again for new CDL. I am going to check with local DMV to see if there is a cost to take the test if not I may take it here to get permit. Thanks for all you information and suggestions. I really do think that Prime would be a good home to get back into what I enjoy doing.

 

Hey JB I think this was discussed before but, are you charged for chains, cables and load locks? I seem to recall $600 being the figure.

 

I agree with JimmyBones, you're better off to start over. Prime doesn't have a "refresher course," so that would come out of your own pocket. Starting in PSD and going through the entire process is free after you've run solo in your own truck for a year.

Keep in mind, its very difficult for any of us (including the folks doing instruction and training) to state precisely where you're going to end up... PSD student, full TnT training, or just out with a trainer for x miles. It's really not up to us, and is evaluated by safety (IIRC) on a case-by-case basis.

Officially, it's our "Captain of the Ship" policy. You're the person on the spot evaluating the conditions. While we have to move freight and you're expected to drive even if 1 snowflake just fell, if you decide conditions are unsafe to continue, it's your call. All of the folks who I've called "FM" have always cautioned me to not continue if it's not safe when I've mentioned deteriorating conditions. Generally the only folks who tend to push things are the new stand-in FMs on nights and weekends who aren't that familiar with how we do things here. A gentle reminder that I have the safety directors cell phone number ends the conversation in my favor. When I was on the company side I did shut down for Cabbage one year... nothing was said, no repercussions, appointment in Grandview was rescheduled without comment.

We are required to be Colorado compliant in terms of chains. September 1st to June 1st you must have sufficient traction devices on board to satisfy them for travel on I70 through the mountains. 1 set of chains, and 3 cables. It's been long enough I couldn't quote you a price, but it certainly is going to be less than $200... I'd hazard around $140. Prime charges the drivers up front so they have some skin in the game... there's a whole lot less company equipment being sold at the truckstops that way. You get your money back when you leave. Leave those chains in the sacks and you'll get full credit without a doubt!

I have 4 sets of wide single chains ($180 IIRC), 2 wide single cables, 3 dual cables on my truck. Don't forget bungies to tighten those chains up if you have to run any distance. And yes, I've been known to throw iron when necessary.

 

Yes, you are charged for chains, 385 I think I was charged, Load locks are also charged, you can't leave the yard without them. What I recommended to my Students is to collect the load locks during their TNT training, as there are plenty floating around in mty trailers. That way they did not have to buy them. Another item you have to by is a lock set. Runs about 110 at the store if I remember correctly.
The Prime driver manual will tell you how many you need and for what state. Not sure but I think CA was the strictest.

Hope this helps.

 

California IS the strictest, but you're only going to need them if you're stuck on say Donner with maximum chains required. We are required to have enough on board for Colorado since they will ticket you even in dry conditions if you don't have them on board. $385??? That doesn't sound right.

 

I bought two used load locks to get me started. Over the years, I sold enough load locks that I collected back that I more than paid for all of the stuff I started with.

BTW... that "crappy pulp thermometer" may save your bacon about the time some morons try to load hot produce in your trailer. You need to know that temperature so a) you don't set the reefer to 35 or so and turn it to mush, and b) so dispatch can work with you to bring down the temperature properly.

 

Not just if you are stuck.

If there is a chance that chains may be required... a chance, CA and Nevada set up check stations east of the border west of Reno on 80 in NV and CA sets up on I5 at OR border.

Also they will set up mandatory Eastbound checks at an exit on I80 near Auburn, and Northbound check is on I5 just south of Lake Shasta near Redding.

Even if there is no current chain requirement, they will not let you proceed without the minimum. If there is a current chain requirement, they wont let you proceed without the maximum amount.

Also in WA, after a level 2 inspection, I was required to show my chains. They were under my bunk at the time. It was winter, and there was zero chance of snow at the time. Also I was at the Cle Elum scale house heading East... Away from Snowqualamie pass.